Chelsea shifts their focus to Europe as they take on Legia Warszawa in the Conference League quarter-finals. The first leg will take place in Poland's capital Warsaw. The second leg will take place next Thursday at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea qualified for the last eight by defeating Danish side FC Copenhagen 3-1 on aggregate. Meanwhile, Legia Warszawa, despite losing the first leg against Molde, defeated them in the home leg to advance. Chelsea qualified for the knockouts as league phase champions while their opponents on Thursday were the seventh-best side.
Chelsea’s predicted lineup in the Conference League vs Legia Warszawa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Despite getting the Premier League team spot, the Danish international was demoted for Robert Sanchez by Enzo Maresca for no particular reason. He should start on Thursday.
Right-Back: Josh Acheampong
The teenager started in Chelsea's last Conference League match at left-back. Both regular right-backs Malo Gusto and Reece James started on Sunday. It could see Acheampong getting another start on the European stage.
Center-Back: Trevoh Chalobah
The academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah had two brilliant games in the Premier League since the international break. However, he could be bested on Thursday for Benoît Badiashile, who was an unused substitute in those matches.
Center-Back: Levi Colwill
An unused substitute in the Premier League in Chelsea's last fixture. He should return to the starting XI on Thursday.
Left-Back: Marc Cucurella
The Spaniard European champion came from the bench last match. With no first-team left-backs in the team, he is a sure bet to start in the Conference League.
Central Defensive Midfield: Moisés Caicedo
Chelsea’s best player of the season. He will be expected to start despite playing the entire match against Brentford.
Central Defensive Midfield: Enzo Fernández
One of the consistent players of the team. He should start in Poland like his partner in the middle of the field, even if they played the full 90 minutes last Sunday.
Right Attacking Midfield: Noni Madueke
The winger only played almost an hour last Sunday, which should see him start on Thursday. It could be the first time in over two months he will start a match alongside Palmer and Jackson.
Central Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer
Palmer came on for the final 30 minutes against Brentford, and he should start against Legia Warszawa. He will be keen to get among the scorers.
Left Attacking Midfield: Pedro Neto
The Portuguese was a second-half substitute, which tells you Maresca wants him to start against Poland. Another player who will be keen to get into goal contribution.
Center-Forward: Nicolas Jackson
The striker has looked good since his return to the squad from injury. However, not having a goal to his name since December will be bothering him, and on Thursday he will be keen to get on the scoresheet.
Chelsea’s predicted lineup vs Legia Warszawa (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Acheampong, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.